Legislative Report for Monday April 17

Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Secretary Jack Montoucet has submitted his resignation as it has become public that he’s involved in a bribery scandal. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says this is not a good look for the Edwards administration…:
CUT 10 (11) “…to bribery.”
Federal documents show Montoucet’s signature is on a contract tied to a kickback scheme that’s resulted in one conviction on bribery charges for a man out of Youngsville.

A bill that would end state income tax in Louisiana goes before the House Ways & Means Committee today. The bill is authored by Republican Mandeville Representative Richard Nelson, who says his HB 424 would phase out taxes collected on the income of persons, estates, and trusts. Nelson says Louisiana needs this if it wants to compete with neighboring states with NO income tax, like Florida, Texas, and Tennessee…:
Cut 4 (07) “…compared to Louisiana.”
The bill would phase income taxes out over a four-year period. Nelson says the revenue lost would be offset by lowering the homestead exemption on property taxes and eliminating a number of exemptions to the state sales tax.

Independent candidate for Governor Hunter Lundy is keeping an eye on what the Louisiana Legislature will do to fix the state’s property insurance crisis. Lundy is concerned lawmakers will approve legislation that will restrict the ability to sue insurance companies….
Cut 10 (12) “…unfair.”